Inside the Minds of Dark Fantasy Duo: S. Black & E. Black
S. Black - Author Facebook
Two creative spirits found a shared purpose in the shadowed realms of dark fantasy, where mysteries intertwine with despair, and the fantastical meets the real. Shannon Black, the solitary force behind The Chimera Snare, had long lived with a feeling of something missing, a gap she couldn’t bridge alone. Edward Black entered the picture, bringing a fresh spark, a new lens through which the story could evolve. The decision was easy: they would craft this world together, a partnership that would forever reshape their creative paths.
S. had spent years alone with her manuscript, the weight of indecision pulling her under. But when E. came on board, everything shifted. “What if we wrote this together?” she proposed. Without hesitation, E. agreed. “It was an easy decision,” he recalls. “And since then, it’s been a truly fulfilling journey.”
The pair’s collaboration took root in The Chimera Snare, a project born from S.’s original 2015 work, Fragments. With E.’s influence, the tale grew, evolving into a more prosperous, deeper narrative, something neither could have imagined on their own.
Writing together was a process of discovery. Their strengths were complementary: Edward, the master of dialogue, set scenes through conversation before weaving in the finer details; S., the architect, builds worlds first, then breathes life into characters with carefully crafted voices. “We’ve refined how we blend our voices,” E. muses. “At times, even we forget who wrote what.”
E. Black - Author Facebook
However, their creative chemistry wasn’t always without friction. Like any partnership, it involved navigating differences. S. had spent years nurturing the story’s foundation and sometimes found it difficult to relinquish control. But E., ever the diplomat, had a way of gently asking the crucial questions: Does this make sense? Does it serve the story? The answers always guided them toward harmony.
Both S. and E. find dark fantasy alluring because it allows exploring the extraordinary while rooting the narrative in the painfully real. “Dark fantasy is an umbrella that welcomes misfits like us,” S. explains. “It allows room for deeply layered narratives, themes of transformation, and human fragility.”
E. agrees, adding, “I love how dark fantasy merges the fantastical with the real. Our flawed, complex, and deeply human characters offer readers a mirror of themselves, even in otherworldly settings.”
The creation of their hauntingly immersive worlds is a deceptively simple process. “Imagination, music, and a good craft beer,” S. says with a playful grin. E. chuckles in agreement. “A cold beer, dark, heavy music, and note-taking fuel our creativity. Our minds go to pretty dark places, making our worldbuilding so rich.”
Their process's unconventional nature sometimes works; inspiration strikes in the most unexpected ways. Determining the tone of a scene is organic for them. E. believes the characters themselves often dictate the mood. “They’re very much alive in our heads,” he admits. “In a weird way, we just let them take the reins.”
Collaboration, while rewarding, requires strategy. Over time, they’ve perfected a system. They divide scenes based on their strengths, stepping in to support each other when needed. “We assign chapters, write independently, and then regroup to refine,” explains E. “It’s an exciting process.” When they both want to write the same scene, a quick game of janken pon (rock-paper-scissors) settles the matter with good humor.
Their rituals mix the mundane and the magical candlelit brainstorming sessions, spontaneous road trip discussions, and quiet moments spent reflecting on their work. “We’ve become busier, but using our travel time to brainstorm has worked wonders,” E. says. Even when fatigue sets in, their creativity never truly stops. S.’s artistic makeup work and E.’s love of vinyl collecting often spark fresh ideas for The Chimera Snare.
For Shannon and Edward, the process of writing together has fostered something more profound than a professional partnership. It has brought them closer, strengthening their bond and trust in each other. “We’ve known each other since childhood,” Edward reflects. “But writing this series together has truly intertwined our souls.” Shannon agrees, “It’s built trust on a whole new level, a trust that we’re heading toward the same vision.”
The greatest inspiration of all is each other. “Shannon trusted me to help shape this world,” Edward says, his voice filled with gratitude. “Every day, I strive to earn that trust.”
Music also plays a vital role in their creative process, and on the dedication page of Fragments, they pay homage to the artists who have fueled their imaginations. “Without them, this story wouldn’t be what it is,” Shannon says. “And that list will only grow as the series continues.”
Through their shared vision, creative rituals, and an unshakable bond, S. and E. Black continue to craft worlds that reflect the darkness and light within us, where readers can lose themselves and, perhaps, find something of themselves in return.
Don't miss your chance to meet this incredible duo at Words & Wonders 2025! They'll be there, chatting with readers, signing books, and making unforgettable memories.
The Chimera Snare Facebook
